When iPhone 7 was launched some devices were launched with Intel modems however some came with Qualcomm. It may be Apple finds another company to provide some of those modems beyond 2018, or Qualcomm could return as a supplier depending on its actions.

The report also says that Intel's chips might not be ready for 5G networks and this might get Apple to go with Qualcomm in some cases.

Qualcomm, however, was first to strike against Apple. Rumour states that Apple might be introducing MediaTek alongside Intel to supply it with LTE chips, but there has been no future development related to this story right now. According to respected KGI analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, Apple will soon rely on Intel exclusively for iPhonebaseband components, which could land a sharp blow to Qualcomm's business. Now, in a complete reversal of fortunes, analysts believe we won't see any Qualcomm modems in this year's iPhone models. Intel's previous chips lacked support for CDMA.

Between 2011 and 2016, in fact, Qualcomm was the exclusive modem provider for the iPhone.

A new report from Nikkei, citing Japanese industry sources, appears to substantiate the claim of a new LCD iPhone for next year, and also reiterates Kuo's assertion of two OLED display flagship iPhones arriving in 2018 as well. In the process, it potentially ends the requirement for Apple to make different iPhones for different carriers in the US.

The Cupertino giant released three handsets - the iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus and iPhone X - in 2017. Although demand for the new higher priced iPhone X may not have been as strong as many expected, the overall iPhone lineup appealed to a wider range of consumers in both emerging and developed markets. The display size could also remain untouched, but those who are hoping for a bigger screen size can expect a new 6.5-inch iPhone X Plus.

Qualcomm issued a revenue forecast last week that missed estimates. Apple may still approach Qualcomm for some orders as it negotiates concession in trying to lay legaldisputes to rest.